In less than a century, the airport has emerged as a new architectural typology that is as important as other large-scale public buildings such as museums, libraries, temples, and courthouses. Airports are among the most complex and highly frequented transportation hubs. Also, they are increasingly important places for work, commerce, recreation, and culture. The rapid evolution of airports necessitates the incorporation of the latest developments in technology, design, and social trends around the globe. Hence, Fentress Architects announces Global Challenge to re-envision the Airport of the Future.

Moreover, global commerce and the unprecedented demand for travel and have resulted in the proliferation of airports around the world. In their short history, terminal buildings have been criticized for employing generic architectural forms that are unapologetically disconnected from their context and cultural identity. Technical complexity and functional design have often taken precedence over quality and comfort for users.

Awards + Prize

1st Place: US$10,000 Cash + Event

The top prize includes US$10,000 cash and the opportunity to accompany Curt Fentress to a prestigious architectural event where you will receive your award. Fentress Architects will pay the airfare, lodging, and entrance fee which is not to exceed US$5,000. However, winners are responsible for obtaining necessary visas and paperwork. If entering as a group, the monetary prize and attendance at the architectural event will be distributed equally.

2nd Place: US$3,000

3rd Place: US$2,000

2 People’s Choice Awards: US$1,000

Also, the winners of the competition will be elevated to a Fentress Global Challenge Fellow. The Jury will choose the fellows for their:

• Engagement in and elevation of the discourse on public architecture
• Active participation in mentorship programs
• Demonstration of a growing commitment to their community

Eligibility

The Fentress Global Challenge (FGC) competition is open to graduate and undergraduate students who are currently pursuing architecture or engineering degrees in an accredited university program, as well as recent graduates (within the last four years) with a degree in architecture or engineering. Individuals and teams of up to three can enter the competition.

Also, Students must provide proof of active enrollment status: a scanned copy of their student ID and current course schedule. Recent graduates must provide a scanned copy of their diploma.

Competition Guidelines

Participants of the FGC are encouraged to re-envision the terminal building in the year 2075. Concepts will integrate Fentress’ Touchstone 2: Use context to create identity. Context is more than an intellectual consideration of the history or physical appearance of a neighborhood, city or state, and it’s more than the way new will live with old. Further, it draws on the senses and memories that define a place and make it unique. Also, it grows from the community, and people respond to it.

In line with the speculative nature of the competition, participants should seek to improve every dimension of the airport terminal building. All entries should delve into one or more broad topic related to airport architecture and the future of aviation such as mobility, urbanization, globalization, technology, flexibility, security, project feasibility, and passenger experience in 2075.

How To Apply

Participants must register and upload their design concepts online before the deadline. Applicants shall submit the design concept in PDF format and include:

• Up to 8 pages in 11-inch x 17-inch format, landscape orientation
• Each of the 8 pages must have a page number and the team name
• Name the file as follows: 2018/2019_team name_design concept title.pdf
• The submission must have a design concept title, a 400-word description, and a brief description of the team or individual submitting
• Supporting diagrams, plans, sections, and perspectives are encouraged
• The digital file may be no larger than 100mb
• Also, In a separate PDF, please include student IDs of the group members

Deadline

All applicants wishing to compete in Fentress Airport of the Future Global Challenge must submit their application before May 31, 2019 (23:00 GMT).